 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Bulletin Boards Tessa Melland |
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Not being much of a reader, "Reading the Manual" isn't going to be my first choice in learning about computers. I cook without recipes and learn far better by doing, than I do from reading screeds of information. Especially, where one page makes as about as much sense as the previous-not much!! To a newbie, whose children knew far more about computers than I did, there needed to be some, enjoyable way to tackle this - and there was! Bulletin Boards.
So, what is a bulletin board? Basically, it is a computer, or computer system that you can link to your computer (via the telephone, using a modem) to gather information, and learn at your own pace.
Doesn't sound easy? Well, I have had my computer for just on a year, and a modem for only six months. It is as easy or as hard as you want it to be. Using the resources of other members in order to set up the basics, my knowledge and abilities have grown through experimentation. I cannot think of any form of education that has been more fun, more diverse and more rewarding.
On a board (Melb PC's BBS is one of the best in the southern hemisphere) you have a range of choices:
Messaging
This is how I started out. At first reading, then reading and writing messages to other members. Basically, a message is like a short letter which you "post" (i.e. lodge) on an open notice board. Everyone who "logs on" (accesses that board) can read it. Then, in replying, the original message can be edited and responses added to it, at the appropriate point. There is a "private" area where only the person to whom you addressed the message can read it (other than the Sysop-System Operator). Being a non-technical person, I started with the general chat, humour and beginners' areas (or echoes, as they are called) - there is an extensive menu from which to choose.
Offline Readers
Rather than tie up your phone, the simplest and least pressured way of messaging is by using an oflline reader. There are several, I use B1ueWave but each user has their preference. An oflline reader lets you to read all the messages you select, after you've finished your call. Offline readers are very easy to use once they are set up. When I first started, members helped me establish and checked that I had enough information. As I experimented more, I learnt more. Now, much of it is automatic!
Files
Some people start out here, gathering information from the board and downloading it to read offline. It's rather like getting a book from the library, only there is no cost and you are only taking a copy while leaving the original. There is a master list of files and monthly new files list, so have a browse and find those you are interested in - which may be games, programs, information on the use or extended use of software or hardware etc. If you have a non-commercial program that you feel would be of interest to others, you can upload it to the BBS.
Local Information Exchange
There are topic-specific echoes in the message areas. For instance, if you run OS/2 you might read and write to that area to further your knowledge, read other people's problems and answers. You might even ask questions of your own, or offer advice. Our BBS is working its way up to having 100 message areas, many of which are specific, covering software, hardware, communications etc. Log on and look!
National & International Information Exchange
Extending on the local, through Melb PC, you can access information from all over the world. I have recently joined in an area called "Asian Link", which is an international "chat" echo. With my sister being in Canada, I saw someone messaging from her area. I wrote to him and just heard back that he had been right by their farm only days before! Another man in Portland, Oregon, is going to call a friend of mine who lives there and I am calling a friend of his who lives here! (It's all so friendly, I love it.) You could look in the Vic Trading or the Commercial Trading echoes, to find the best price for any hardware or software you want to buy or sell! I keep looking, but can't afford what I want, yet. At least I know what is available.
Participating in Melb PC Activities
BBSing can be very social, if you want it to be. Through the BBS you meet members of this board as well as people around the country and the rest of the world. This may be through a computer interest you have in common, but just as often it is social and can be a lot of fun. You might be into StarTrek or Monty Python or just enjoy a good limerick there are many, many others out there who share your interests-just chat to them! You can keep in contact with the people whom you've met at the Windows or Graphics SIG etc. Then, if you would like to meet more socially, come to the Waffle SIG, where many of the regular messagers meet and have a bite to eat (and enjoy themselves) after the Melb PC Monthly meeting.
As you become more competent, you will find other new and exciting facilities coming online at our BBS. We now have a B1ueWave Door, which allows those with Registered BlueWave packages to use new sorting and access facilities. (There are regular bulk registrations of various Shareware programs, which give Melb PC members a substantial discount.)
Remember
There are many Melb PC members ready to help you - all you have to do is ask or post a message in the General area. It doesn't matter whether you want to know about modems, communications packages or just general information about the BBS, there's always someone who will help. The BBS numbers are listed in the front of PC Update.
Finally
One thing that has really puzzled me, since I have become a player in the world of the BBS, is why are there so many Melb PC members who log on to the board but don't send any messages? Have a go! It won't take long before you feel comfortable, even excited. There's nothing quite like the first time you find a personal message addressed to you!
Reprinted from the March 1994 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
